Hugh Laurie sings the blues - ABC Online

The British actors became famous playing dimwitted sidekicks to Rowan Atkinson's sneaky Blackadder, and have both taken their careers in unexpected new directions.

While the newly knighted Sir Tony has moved into hosting historical television shows, Hugh has reinvented himself as a blues musician.

He told Carol Duncan from 1233 ABC Newcastle Afternoons about his lifelong fascination with the blues. (listen to attached audio)

"I'm following a well-trodden path of English musicians, which is how I describe myself now, who have been entranced, hypnotised almost, by this extraordinary music of the American south," Hugh says.

Since hearing his first blues song at around age seven, Hugh has been smitten.

"It was like an electric shock that went through me," he recalls.

"I'm still shivering, still juddering even now, all these years later.

"It's never let me go."

Many people were suprised that after his great success in America with the hit TV show, House, Hugh's next move was to form a blues band and go on tour.

But he has no regrets.

"This is the greatest adventure of my life, and it's the greatest thrill," Hugh enthuses.

"This is a whole new level of visceral pleasure that I get from music."

He describes himself as "quite a self-conscious" actor who approached every scene as a technical problem to be solved.

And despite the huge popularity of House, many awards and critical acclaim for his performance as the brilliant but cantankerous doctor, Hugh was constantly doubting himself.

"I would always spend my evenings sort of beating myself up for the day before, which is a complete waste of time," he admits.

However despite being aware that launching a career as a blues muso could make him the target of ridicule, after 120 shows Hugh has a new sense of confidence.

"I know we put on a good show," he says.

Hugh is in awe of the blues musicians he's performing with, and sometimes during shows he loses himself in the pure enjoyment of their playing.

It's a sweet pay-off for a man who's taken such a big risk with his career.

"I'm almost ashamed of how lucky I am," he says.

Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band will be at the Civic Theatre this Saturday, May 3.

Tony Robinson will be filming his new TV series and meeting locals at a community day in Civic Park, also on Saturday.

You can hear Carol Duncan's interview with Hugh Laurie by clicking on the audio bar above.